Dick Whittington & the Pirate King

Mark Nicholls is an extremely talented young man as shown in the writing of this sequel to his award winning original Dick Whittington. He not only wrote it but directed it and reprised his role of Captain Jack Starling. It was good to see several members reprising their original role but also refreshing to see new characters introduced to progress the story.

Sarah Hinkley was hilarious as Bonnie Brown and Claire Oatley (Voodoo Lady) added further comedy. Good pantomime dames are not easy to find but AMCS have got one in Mike Adey (Sally Sugar). His mannerisms, voice and costumes were spot on. Further comedy came from Neil Morris (Alderman Fitzwarren), Emma Nicholls (Manuel), John Utting (Scally), Kerry Flint (Wag) and Ben Warrallo (Mr Wilson). There was plenty for them to extract humour from both as characters and in the succession of one liners. Whatever role Chris Parry (Captain Jagger) plays he brings authority and an amazing singing voice to it. The romance in the story was well handled by Adam Foxall (Dick Whittington), Joe Fisher (James Swan), Nikky Watts (Alice Fitzwarren) and Hattie Sketchley-Bates (Angelica Marley). Nikky and Hattie blended well together in their duets. Rachel Carruthers made a very effective link to the action in her role as Callista which was an innovative alternative to a genie/fairy godmother. There was some energetic gymnastic dancing from Liam and Fran Eardley as Mr Nom Nom and Tommy the Cat.

As always Sarah Hemming kept the cast busy with her choreography and the production was well supported by lighting, sound, costumes and sympathetic playing from the pit. Congratulations to everyone involved!

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